Shrub ID please

I think you can do cuttings at various times with those @TheMadHedger because you can do semi ripe ones after flowering - when the stems haven't yet become woody and firm, but you can also do them later in the year - ie August/September or so, when that's happened. Most shrubs are similar in that respect.
I agree with the others - it would be easier to ID once there's flowers. Most have pink to reddish flowers, but there's also whites, which is the one I grow. It sounds like you can rule the whites out though if you can recall it having pink/red flowers. There are also ones with darker foliage too, so you can rule those out.

 

Thank you regarding taking cuttings.

I have a hunch that the type I have is Bristol Ruby. Will check though when the flowers open.

I'll definitely take some cuttings but also order some online - tempted to buy some from Crocus.co.uk as they have some large ones (3 to 4 feet tall) in 12 litre pots, however on reading reviews of the company their plant and delivery quality is extremely variable so I'm not sure if I want to risk ordering from them.

Also tempted to buy a few smaller root ball plants from J Parker's Wholesale, very cheap too but plants are only 40cm tall.

 

I was wondering about Bristol Ruby too. I had it at my old house but hard to tell as dark buds can turn lighter as they open.

 

I've had a Bristol Ruby for many years.
The buds aren't quite open yet, but here a pic from last year-

 

Wow, that all looks fantastic. I could only dream of such a display.

 

Thanks very much
It was all luck really.
You know what it's like when you see a plant and just know you have to buy it - that's basically what I done. Then when I get home I try and find a random space for it somewhere.
The sorbus just appeared.
I planted the weigela and the shrub rose Moonlight which then grew into the sorbus and has carried on growing ever since.
It's made a lovely combination with no help and very little pruning from me.
It's only in the last 5-6 years that it's all come together nicely all by itself.

If the flowers are open on the weigela tomorrow i'll add a pic

 

Luck or not, you bought the plant and planted it and the others in just the right place. :-)

 

@Pete8 what is the shrub/tree on the right side of the photo please?

 

Looks like an Acer on the right @Sheal

 

It an Acer Shirasawanum @Sheal
Previously it was in the shade of a huge eucalyptus and was growing well.
The eucalyptus was felled about 15yrs ago so it now gets too much sun in the summer and the leaves often go crispy. Also there's frequent dieback at the top of the tree, so it's not as graceful as it once was - a bit like me

 

Thank you @Pete8. It's an attractive tree and I love Acers but haven't got a hope of keeping one alive here.

 

Have you not got any little sheltered sites that you could try one @Sheal ?

 

Oh how I wish, but the straight answer is no @fairygirl.

An exposed rural garden 300ft above sea level, surrounded by fields with a valley at the back is a non starter unfortunately. Then there's the deer...many Acers are said to be deer resistant but knowing my luck I'd invest in the one they'd demolish!

 

I love all the Beauly area .
So beautiful.
Lucky you.

 

I've just replied on the other thread where you mentioned the deer and pheasants @Sheal . I know what you mean!
I didn't realise you were quite so exposed. We're a bit higher here, but a very different climate to the east side.
I'm trying to remember where we were on our holiday some years back - I know I mentioned it a while ago, when we were talking about Ullapool. We were a few miles outside of Beauly itself, but also on a hillside. It was very peaceful - we had a lovely time.
It would be funny if it was somewhere near you!